Jose Mourinho has suggested Everton should be targeting a top-four Premier League finish after spending £145 million (HK$1.54 billion) in the summer but the Merseyside club’s manager, Ronald Koeman, says his Manchester United counterpart’s claims are unrealistic.
Mourinho’s comments came in his programme notes ahead of United’s 4-0 thumping of Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Koeman, however, said his targets were unchanged from his debut season at the club when Everton finished seventh and that he needed more time before they could push for a top-four place.
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“Is there anybody who sees this as realistic for Everton? Please, come on. Fans, press – we need time,” Koeman told British media.
Mourinho’s Manchester United have made a hugely impressive start to the new season. Photo: AP
Everton are in the bottom three after losing three league games in a row, conceding nine goals without reply. They also lost 3-0 to Italy’s Atalanta in the Europa League last week.
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“When you look at the fixtures at the start of the season, we knew we wouldn’t win them all,” Koeman said.
